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The Finish #1
The Finish
The highly anticipated companion novel to Whiskey and a Gun is here!
I loved him.
I hated him.
He was my everything.
He was my undoing.
Carter had his turn.
Now it's mine.
This is my story now.
I loved him.
I hated him.
He was my everything.
He was my undoing.
Carter had his turn.
Now it's mine.
This is my story now.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2014
6 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Jade Eby
27 books276 followersOnce upon a time there was a little girl who fell in love with books then she grew up to write her own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 22, 2014
So I've been waiting patiently for this book after reading Whiskey and A Gun, I couldn't wait to get into Tawny's head and find out what exactly she was thinking as the events in the prequel took place. While Whiskey and A Gun is told entirely from Carter's POV, its Tawny's turn in The Finish. For those of you who haven't read the series I recommend that you don't skip the prequel since it lays the foundation for much of what takes place in The Finish. So many questions that I had in regards to the characters are answered and I got a chance to go right back to the beginning, up to the moment Tawny sees Carter for the first time.
When Tawny meets Carter she thinks that she has finally found her Prince Charming. He loves an accepts her even though they are from opposite sides of the tracks. On the outside Carter appears to be the epitome of a spoiled, rich teenage boy, but he in facts carries secrets that no one knows... until Tawny. She sees herself in him, and instantly they form a connection. Tawny has not had an easy life, in fact she has no friends, and her parents are useless. Carter fills a void in her life that no one else has bothered to explore. What follows is the narrative delving into over ten years of Tawny and Cater's tumultuous relationship.
Carter is haunted by demons of his past. He becomes the very thing that he loathes, and allows his poisonous past to leak into their relationship. As much as Carter's actions pissed me off, I never hated him. I just couldn't, I pitied him and hoped for him to change.
The majority of the time while I was reading this it was with tears in my eyes. Tawny and Carter's story hurt my heart. I felt their love, as toxic as it was I believe that a true, deep connection existed between these two. Jade Eby has written a story that is raw, and painful, but most of all real. There are so many women like Tawny who think they have finally found their prince charming only to have him turn into their worse nightmare.
I purposely chose to not mention many details about the plot in my review because I wish for you all to experience the run of emotions like I did while reading this. I highly recommend this heartbreaking read. Sure it will break your heart, but it will also put the pieces all back together, and you'll find yourself rooting for the characters.
Rating: 5 Bittersweet Stars
Thanks to Jade Eby for providing me with an ARC.
My boyfriend is broken and I don't know how to fix him.
When Tawny meets Carter she thinks that she has finally found her Prince Charming. He loves an accepts her even though they are from opposite sides of the tracks. On the outside Carter appears to be the epitome of a spoiled, rich teenage boy, but he in facts carries secrets that no one knows... until Tawny. She sees herself in him, and instantly they form a connection. Tawny has not had an easy life, in fact she has no friends, and her parents are useless. Carter fills a void in her life that no one else has bothered to explore. What follows is the narrative delving into over ten years of Tawny and Cater's tumultuous relationship.
Carter is haunted by demons of his past. He becomes the very thing that he loathes, and allows his poisonous past to leak into their relationship. As much as Carter's actions pissed me off, I never hated him. I just couldn't, I pitied him and hoped for him to change.
The majority of the time while I was reading this it was with tears in my eyes. Tawny and Carter's story hurt my heart. I felt their love, as toxic as it was I believe that a true, deep connection existed between these two. Jade Eby has written a story that is raw, and painful, but most of all real. There are so many women like Tawny who think they have finally found their prince charming only to have him turn into their worse nightmare.
I purposely chose to not mention many details about the plot in my review because I wish for you all to experience the run of emotions like I did while reading this. I highly recommend this heartbreaking read. Sure it will break your heart, but it will also put the pieces all back together, and you'll find yourself rooting for the characters.
I'm not sure if I can survive with or without him. I'm bound to him forever."
Rating: 5 Bittersweet Stars
Thanks to Jade Eby for providing me with an ARC.
Want to read
January 12, 2014AWESOME COVER!!!
December 31, 2014
‘The thought of leaving him scares me more than staying. I don’t know who I am without him.’
One book that has always stayed with us is Whiskey and a Gun. That book left us gasping and we’ve desperate to hear Tawny’s side of their sad and tragic story since coming to the end of the prequel.
We have to stress that you MUST to read Whiskey and a Gun BEFORE reading The Finish. It’s imperative that you obtain both pov’s to better understand the characters.
‘We’re the same person inside. His anger is mine. His pain is mine. When he pushes, I push back harder.’
We enjoyed much of this story – though not sure if ‘enjoyed’ is the right word to use given the subject matter of The Finish – it was certainly a difficult and compelling read. This instalment had a completely different ‘feel’ to the prequel which was told in Carters pov. Carters voice took us to the moment, we were there in the story with him for every heart stopping word as he had us constantly sitting on tenterhooks anticipating his next move.
‘Lying has become my superpower.’
In The Finish Tawny’s voice came across as though we were reading a diary, or a case study and because of this – at times – we felt as though we were reading her story as opposed to living as we did in Carters book. Now that’s not to say Tawny’s voice didn’t have impact because it did, it’s just that sometimes it seemed to lack the emotional pull of the prequel.
What Tawny went through, the abuse she suffered at the hands of ‘love’ was upsetting and very, very tragic and The Finish is a book that makes you stop and think. As we live in our bubbles of bliss, to know this goes on around us is frightening. To think this is someone’s daily life is soul destroying. To think this is someone’s perception of love is gut wrenching and depressing.
‘Carter is not evil. He’s a broken man that needs me. Needs my love. I know that with enough love, I can fix everything inside of him that aches to be mended.'
This is not a hearts and flowers story. This relationship is toxic and Tawny’s story is difficult and heart breaking reading at times. We were championing for her the whole way through and even though there were times we wanted to shake her we understood this was her reality, this was her perception, this was her acceptance and that saddened us immensely. Jade Eby really put her heart on the line for this one and we admire her immensely for bringing this to life because it couldn’t have been easy to write.
‘There are days when I look at my body and wonder what I’ve done. What horrible sin I’ve committed to have to pay for Carter’s love with my body. I’ve given him everything. All of me. Heart, body and soul. ‘
At times the latter part of the book did feel a little drawn out, we had no idea what to expect from the ending, but Jade Eby wrapped it up perfectly. The Finish is a difficult, unsettling and ‘real’ story and one we’d definitely recommend picking up for those readers who love being pushed outside their comfort zone just beware of the obvious triggers.
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks*
❈ ❈ ❈
✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
✦✦✦ We're on TSU: TB on TSU
December 31, 2014
‘The thought of leaving him scares me more than staying. I don’t know who I am without him.’
One book that has always stayed with us is Whiskey and a Gun. That book left us gasping and we’ve desperate to hear Tawny’s side of their sad and tragic story since coming to the end of the prequel.
We have to stress that you MUST to read Whiskey and a Gun BEFORE reading The Finish. It’s imperative that you obtain both pov’s to better understand the characters.
‘We’re the same person inside. His anger is mine. His pain is mine. When he pushes, I push back harder.’
We enjoyed much of this story – though not sure if ‘enjoyed’ is the right word to use given the subject matter of The Finish – it was certainly a difficult and compelling read. This instalment had a completely different ‘feel’ to the prequel which was told in Carters pov. Carters voice took us to the moment, we were there in the story with him for every heart stopping word as he had us constantly sitting on tenterhooks anticipating his next move.
‘Lying has become my superpower.’
In The Finish Tawny’s voice came across as though we were reading a diary, or a case study and because of this – at times – we felt as though we were reading her story as opposed to living as we did in Carters book. Now that’s not to say Tawny’s voice didn’t have impact because it did, it’s just that sometimes it seemed to lack the emotional pull of the prequel.
What Tawny went through, the abuse she suffered at the hands of ‘love’ was upsetting and very, very tragic and The Finish is a book that makes you stop and think. As we live in our bubbles of bliss, to know this goes on around us is frightening. To think this is someone’s daily life is soul destroying. To think this is someone’s perception of love is gut wrenching and depressing.
‘Carter is not evil. He’s a broken man that needs me. Needs my love. I know that with enough love, I can fix everything inside of him that aches to be mended.'
This is not a hearts and flowers story. This relationship is toxic and Tawny’s story is difficult and heart breaking reading at times. We were championing for her the whole way through and even though there were times we wanted to shake her we understood this was her reality, this was her perception, this was her acceptance and that saddened us immensely. Jade Eby really put her heart on the line for this one and we admire her immensely for bringing this to life because it couldn’t have been easy to write.
‘There are days when I look at my body and wonder what I’ve done. What horrible sin I’ve committed to have to pay for Carter’s love with my body. I’ve given him everything. All of me. Heart, body and soul. ‘
At times the latter part of the book did feel a little drawn out, we had no idea what to expect from the ending, but Jade Eby wrapped it up perfectly. The Finish is a difficult, unsettling and ‘real’ story and one we’d definitely recommend picking up for those readers who love being pushed outside their comfort zone just beware of the obvious triggers.
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks*
❈ ❈ ❈
✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
✦✦✦ We're on TSU: TB on TSU
October 28, 2020
I knew going into this book it would be risky. I knew domestic violence would be involved. I know that it may give me a reason to go back into my own history. I did it anyway.
Thank you for the book and reminding me of where I never want to be again and where I could have ended up....
It was gripping, touching, heart wretching, and knowing there was so many ways to end the story Jade Eby went with the most difficult one. The hardest story to tell...
but worth the telling...
The truth of the matter is the secrets you try to hide from the world, are the ones every one can plainly see...
Thank you for the book and reminding me of where I never want to be again and where I could have ended up....
It was gripping, touching, heart wretching, and knowing there was so many ways to end the story Jade Eby went with the most difficult one. The hardest story to tell...
but worth the telling...
The truth of the matter is the secrets you try to hide from the world, are the ones every one can plainly see...
January 14, 2017
Jeez!!! I am so flabbergasted. This book paints a picture of the everyday life (sadly) of a lot of women, and probably some men. It lets you be a fly on the wall and makes you part of the pain of the abusee. At the same time it also makes you experience the way these women keep believing and accepting all the excuses and promises. But the most horrible? " Yes, it is all my fault"
January 4, 2015
4.5 stars.
this was a hard book to read at times simply because of the subject matter. domestic abuse. after finishing the prequel novella and with it's cliffhanger ending, i knew i would be jumping straight into this full length follow up. can't deny it, it was a pretty heavy start to the new year reading list but well worth it... i'm in a bit of a book hangover right now after finishing but i'll put up a full review asap because this one deserves it!
this was a hard book to read at times simply because of the subject matter. domestic abuse. after finishing the prequel novella and with it's cliffhanger ending, i knew i would be jumping straight into this full length follow up. can't deny it, it was a pretty heavy start to the new year reading list but well worth it... i'm in a bit of a book hangover right now after finishing but i'll put up a full review asap because this one deserves it!
November 26, 2014
Jade has this way with words. It is amazing. Tawny's story is gut-wrenching and real. Her's and Carter's stories will always be two of my favorites. The kind of that stay with me always.
I can't wait to have this baby on my bookshelf!
<3
I can't wait to have this baby on my bookshelf!
<3
December 23, 2014
Before you read The Finish, I HIGHLY recommend you read Whiskey and a Gun. It is a short prequel to this book and it's told completely in Carter's (the male main character) point of view. It's dark, gut-wrenching, disturbing, and very powerful.. all of this wrapped up into less then 100 pages. That says a lot about what type of author Jade Eby is!!
The Finish isn't your typical "boy meets girl from the wrong side of the tracks, they fall in love and live happily ever after" story. No, this is a raw, heartbreaking account of how quickly two lives, once so happy in love, can change and become dark and twisted.
Tawny is a girl who was forced to grow up too quickly when both of her parents would rather party or abandon her, then take care of her. She has a pretty big chip on her shoulder from being the “trailer trash”, in a preppy town. She is used to being ignored.
Carter, the new kid in town, has plenty of reasons to keep to himself. His home life is a wreck and he has an abusive alcoholic father that forces them to move every few years rather than deal with the questions the bruises and injuries would bring. Carter chooses to be unseen by others; to keep to himself.
For some reason Tawny and Carter notice each other right away and just click. They couldn't be more opposite, but then in some ways- like their up brings- they couldn't be more alike. They fall madly in love and then real life happens…
"Carter is not evil. He's a broken man that needs me. Needs my love. I know that with enough love, I can fix everything inside of him that aches to be mended."
Reading this book literally made my heart hurt. Even though you don't want to see reason in why things happened the way they, it was easy to understand Tawny’s reactions. I felt so sad for her, but also everything she thought and did made sense. I was also for sad for Carter and that he couldn't fight the demons within. They had so much potential, and such a chance to be different than the people that raised them. There was so much love there, but sadly it wasn't enough.
"I love him and that's the only reason I need to stay with him."
This book and Jade’s writing literally blew me away. It was so beautifully done and it just made me feel. I admittedly cried through a large portion of it, right down to the last three words- which gave me goose bumps. I am so excited to see what Jade Eby writes next. This is a top recommendation for me and this book will be on my best reads in 2014 for sure!
The Finish isn't your typical "boy meets girl from the wrong side of the tracks, they fall in love and live happily ever after" story. No, this is a raw, heartbreaking account of how quickly two lives, once so happy in love, can change and become dark and twisted.
Tawny is a girl who was forced to grow up too quickly when both of her parents would rather party or abandon her, then take care of her. She has a pretty big chip on her shoulder from being the “trailer trash”, in a preppy town. She is used to being ignored.
Carter, the new kid in town, has plenty of reasons to keep to himself. His home life is a wreck and he has an abusive alcoholic father that forces them to move every few years rather than deal with the questions the bruises and injuries would bring. Carter chooses to be unseen by others; to keep to himself.
For some reason Tawny and Carter notice each other right away and just click. They couldn't be more opposite, but then in some ways- like their up brings- they couldn't be more alike. They fall madly in love and then real life happens…
"Carter is not evil. He's a broken man that needs me. Needs my love. I know that with enough love, I can fix everything inside of him that aches to be mended."
Reading this book literally made my heart hurt. Even though you don't want to see reason in why things happened the way they, it was easy to understand Tawny’s reactions. I felt so sad for her, but also everything she thought and did made sense. I was also for sad for Carter and that he couldn't fight the demons within. They had so much potential, and such a chance to be different than the people that raised them. There was so much love there, but sadly it wasn't enough.
"I love him and that's the only reason I need to stay with him."
This book and Jade’s writing literally blew me away. It was so beautifully done and it just made me feel. I admittedly cried through a large portion of it, right down to the last three words- which gave me goose bumps. I am so excited to see what Jade Eby writes next. This is a top recommendation for me and this book will be on my best reads in 2014 for sure!
December 31, 2014
The Finish is what I've been waiting for since I read Whiskey and a Gun. I wanted to know what happened to Carter and Tawny and how they would get through this.
Well. I got my answer. I literally cannot say anything. It was gut wrenching. What Tawny went through and Carter. I know he is the one abusing her. But from seeing his past and his POV in WAAG, made me sympathize and understand where he was coming from.
It was really hard to read the scenes with Tawny and Carter. Just like Tawny, I was waiting and hoping it would get better but from so many stories from strangers and loved ones, we know they never change.
I wonder if something different were to happen. Would everything be alright?
I literally cried through the whole thing. I am serious. The tears just kept falling.
The Finish was amazing. Jade. Girl, you did an amazing job portraying Tawny and what she went through.
Read Whiskey and a Gun first and then be prepared for your soul to be ripped out reading The Finish.
December 28, 2014
So sad that this actually goes on. If I'm being honest I thought the last 10% dragged a bit. Read Whiskey and a Gun first which is Carter's pov. This one is more detailed from Tawnys pov.
January 24, 2015
I am speechless, heartbroken, and angry.
Must read.
Must read.
December 31, 2014
The Finish is a story about first love and how it grows and evolves, but can change in an instant. It is a gut wrenching tale of real life abuse.
Carter and Tawny meet in high school. He is a rich, pretty boy. She is “trailer trash” who lives with a pretty bad reputation. Two complete opposites, yet there are so many similarities in their feelings about life and love.
Carter may seem like he has it all, but behind closed doors, his father is abusive. He chooses to remain under the radar. He’s quiet and avoids seeking attention—easier for him to hide his injuries.
That first look they share speaks volumes. They both want to be invisible.
They meet between the clearing of each other’s houses and spend many nights just talking and getting to know each other. Somewhere along the way, they fall in love.
But love isn’t always enough. If what they say is true, you are a product of your environment. Carter swore he would never be like his father, yet that is who he becomes.
Tawny hoped her love would save him, change him.
This book broke my heart. I felt as if I was watching a movie, the actions were so true to life and this type of thing really does happen every day. I wanted Carter to change so badly, but he didn’t know how. Tawny wanted him to change, she gave herself so freely hoping it would be enough.
But just as in real life, love isn’t always enough.
This isn’t a story wrapped up in shiny paper with a pretty bow. It is real. It is raw. It makes you feel so many emotions. Jade wrote an incredible story that will stay with me for a long time. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us. Phenomenal read!!
Carter and Tawny meet in high school. He is a rich, pretty boy. She is “trailer trash” who lives with a pretty bad reputation. Two complete opposites, yet there are so many similarities in their feelings about life and love.
Carter may seem like he has it all, but behind closed doors, his father is abusive. He chooses to remain under the radar. He’s quiet and avoids seeking attention—easier for him to hide his injuries.
That first look they share speaks volumes. They both want to be invisible.
“That’s the thing about people who want to be invisible, they always know one of their kind… Being looked over instead of being looked at.”
They meet between the clearing of each other’s houses and spend many nights just talking and getting to know each other. Somewhere along the way, they fall in love.
“I promised myself I’d never be one of those girls. The ones who get a boyfriend and every part of their life disappears around them. But what no one tells you is that when you find that kind of love—you want the whole world to disappear. You don’t want to have to leave the world you’ve built between the two of you. If you could erase every other memory except the ones you’ve made with each other—you would.”
But love isn’t always enough. If what they say is true, you are a product of your environment. Carter swore he would never be like his father, yet that is who he becomes.
Tawny hoped her love would save him, change him.
“Carter is not evil. He’s a broken man that needs me. Need my love. I know that with enough love, I can fix everything inside him that aches to be mended.”
This book broke my heart. I felt as if I was watching a movie, the actions were so true to life and this type of thing really does happen every day. I wanted Carter to change so badly, but he didn’t know how. Tawny wanted him to change, she gave herself so freely hoping it would be enough.
But just as in real life, love isn’t always enough.
This isn’t a story wrapped up in shiny paper with a pretty bow. It is real. It is raw. It makes you feel so many emotions. Jade wrote an incredible story that will stay with me for a long time. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us. Phenomenal read!!
February 19, 2015
There are books out there that are written about taboo love. There are books out there written purely to shock, or even disgust, its readers. This isn't one of those stories. This story was MEANT to be told. It may touch on certain parts of relationships that most people prefer to sweep under the rug and keep out of the public eye, but Carter and Tawny's love needs to see the light. It should be read by everyone. It's powerful. As a woman, it touches a part of me that I prefer to keep under lock and key. Reading this book made me jittery and vulnerable. I felt each slap, his words, her thoughts reverberate through me. The Finish oozes darkness, but if you closely, this book is layered with glimmers of hope. It's not a story about an abusive relationship (it is), but to me, it's about a woman's journey to finding herself and being free of the obstacles life has thrown her way. It is all about Tawny's growth, not about the pain Carter inflicted.
I think every woman should read this book. You may not be abused, you may never be abused. But, reading about one, will open your eyes to many things.
If I could give this book 6 stars, I would.
I think every woman should read this book. You may not be abused, you may never be abused. But, reading about one, will open your eyes to many things.
If I could give this book 6 stars, I would.
April 5, 2015
This is a wonderfully written book. Very we'll written...
January 7, 2015
I expected this to be exactly what is was, especially after the ending of the first book. That being said I wasn't prepared for it, even knowing what it would be like!!! This was just so depressing! Real...but just so sad and bleak. I had to know how it all worked out but MAN it was hard going!
Want to read
March 10, 2014CANT FUCKING WAIT! !
December 23, 2014
This was gut wrecking and fantastic. What a beautiful tragic story with an ending that brought me to happy tears. Tawny is strong, brave , and just amazing. This book has my heart. ♡♡
January 5, 2015
nemam rječi
December 29, 2014
The Finish is the conclusion to Whiskey and a Gun in Tawny's POV.
It would be best to read that first. Which I Highly recommend!!
Whiskey and a Gun left off on a massive cliffhanger leaving me begging for more.
This was by far my most anticipated book of the year.
The Finish is about Tawny, a girl with a tough upbringing. With an absent father and a drunk for a mother, she's never had good role models or positive influences in life. Living on the wrong side of town, people always assume things about her and she just lets them, earning her a reputation. She meets Carter Brooks in her senior year of high school. He's part of the popular, rich kids group who she despises, but there's something different about him that intrigues her. One day Carter stumbles upon Tawny's trailer and they spend some time together, and from there a relationship forms. He's the only one who doesn't make her feel unworthy or ugly. He's not embarrassed to be with her and she falls hopelessly in love with him. The more time she spends with him the more she realizes just how broken he is, but she's determined to fight his demons.
"Kissing Carter is like trying to figure out the world. He's all the questions I want to answer. He's pain and anger wrapped into a man trying to hide is. He's broken and I'm fixing him."
Despite warning from those around her she truly believes her love can save Carter. After all, no one knows him or the things he's been through like she does.
"I'll always give myself to him, no matter how much of me he takes and takes without ever giving it back."
By the time Tawny realizes she may be in over her head, she's too far in. In love. In marriage, In denial.
"I love him. He scares me. He's my everything. He hurts me."
Jade Eby does a wonderful job in creating characters you feel compassion, empathy and sorrow for.
They're so well developed and written.
In Whiskey and a Gun I actually felt for Carter. I was in his head and understood the psychology behind his actions.
Doesn't mean I agreed with it or liked it, but I understood why.
I couldn't help but hope for redemption for him..for the things he was put through.
Much like Tawny I couldn't separate the little boy so in need of love and compassion from the man he turned out to be.
In The Finish I realized just how much of a monster he truly was. "A wolf in sheep's clothing."
I went on a journey with Tawny. One full of love, pain, frustration, anger,doubt, confusion, loss, but most off all, self-discovery, growth, healing and moving on. I know that's a lot, but it was one hell of a journey.
There were times I was frustrated and just wanted to shake some sense into her, but there were times I understood the insecure little girl that lived inside of her.
Throughout the frustration, anger and heartbreak, she ultimately gets her HEA and that leaves me happy ans satisfied.
I cannot wait what to read what this author writes next!
P.S. (may contain slight spoiler)
I feel as though Carter's story is bitter-sweet. Maybe he deserved what happened to him, maybe he didn't. He was a victim of the vicious cycle of domestic violence and unfortunately, for him and Tawny, he let his demons get the best of him.
I also hate the fact that his father never had to answer for his actions.
Just goes to show no matter how much we want a perfect and happy ending, doesn't mean we'll get it.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend this book!
It would be best to read that first. Which I Highly recommend!!
Whiskey and a Gun left off on a massive cliffhanger leaving me begging for more.
This was by far my most anticipated book of the year.
The Finish is about Tawny, a girl with a tough upbringing. With an absent father and a drunk for a mother, she's never had good role models or positive influences in life. Living on the wrong side of town, people always assume things about her and she just lets them, earning her a reputation. She meets Carter Brooks in her senior year of high school. He's part of the popular, rich kids group who she despises, but there's something different about him that intrigues her. One day Carter stumbles upon Tawny's trailer and they spend some time together, and from there a relationship forms. He's the only one who doesn't make her feel unworthy or ugly. He's not embarrassed to be with her and she falls hopelessly in love with him. The more time she spends with him the more she realizes just how broken he is, but she's determined to fight his demons.
"Kissing Carter is like trying to figure out the world. He's all the questions I want to answer. He's pain and anger wrapped into a man trying to hide is. He's broken and I'm fixing him."
Despite warning from those around her she truly believes her love can save Carter. After all, no one knows him or the things he's been through like she does.
"I'll always give myself to him, no matter how much of me he takes and takes without ever giving it back."
By the time Tawny realizes she may be in over her head, she's too far in. In love. In marriage, In denial.
"I love him. He scares me. He's my everything. He hurts me."
Jade Eby does a wonderful job in creating characters you feel compassion, empathy and sorrow for.
They're so well developed and written.
In Whiskey and a Gun I actually felt for Carter. I was in his head and understood the psychology behind his actions.
Doesn't mean I agreed with it or liked it, but I understood why.
I couldn't help but hope for redemption for him..for the things he was put through.
Much like Tawny I couldn't separate the little boy so in need of love and compassion from the man he turned out to be.
In The Finish I realized just how much of a monster he truly was. "A wolf in sheep's clothing."
I went on a journey with Tawny. One full of love, pain, frustration, anger,doubt, confusion, loss, but most off all, self-discovery, growth, healing and moving on. I know that's a lot, but it was one hell of a journey.
There were times I was frustrated and just wanted to shake some sense into her, but there were times I understood the insecure little girl that lived inside of her.
Throughout the frustration, anger and heartbreak, she ultimately gets her HEA and that leaves me happy ans satisfied.
I cannot wait what to read what this author writes next!
P.S. (may contain slight spoiler)
I feel as though Carter's story is bitter-sweet. Maybe he deserved what happened to him, maybe he didn't. He was a victim of the vicious cycle of domestic violence and unfortunately, for him and Tawny, he let his demons get the best of him.
I also hate the fact that his father never had to answer for his actions.
Just goes to show no matter how much we want a perfect and happy ending, doesn't mean we'll get it.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend this book!
December 28, 2014
5 I AM FREE STARS!!!!!
Contains spoilers.
Oh man! This book brought so many feelings and emotions from me and I can admittedly say that I cried through a large portion of The Finish. After reading Whiskey and a gun (which is the prequel and you should start with that first), I couldn't wait to put my hands on this one. In whiskey a gun we understand why Carter is the way he is but this book literally kills. Is it bad that I hated and loved carter? Idk what I'm feeling but I missed him after he was gone and it gutted me to think about him through the second half of the book. All I kept on thinking was I wish that he had changed or that he could have controlled his demons. I want to know what urges someone to hit another person and if they even feel an ounce of guilt for what they've done? Carter showed no signs of guilt and he was soo ready to believe that the baby wasn't his. Was that insecurity?
I hate Carter's father and I wished someone had killed that asshole.The only one to blame the way Carter turned out was his father. Who do you blame? Carter for turning out to be the exact replica of his father or his Father for being a monster. I have all these questions. I want to know about Tommy, Carter's brother who left to go to a better place. Is he the same way carter was? I guess we'll never know.
I understood every bittersweet emotions Tawny was feeling because I was feeling them to. I love how a book can pull you so deep into them that you feel like you are also going through that journey with the character. I cried like a baby when she imagines seeing Carter across the street and they nod at each other. Oh man! I feel sad. I wish that carter had pulled himself from that darkness and that Tawney and Carter had gotten that happily ever after they deserved but in a way I was glad that Tawny was finally getting the life she wanted. I love Carter. I hate carter. I miss carter.
Good work Jade!
Contains spoilers.
Oh man! This book brought so many feelings and emotions from me and I can admittedly say that I cried through a large portion of The Finish. After reading Whiskey and a gun (which is the prequel and you should start with that first), I couldn't wait to put my hands on this one. In whiskey a gun we understand why Carter is the way he is but this book literally kills. Is it bad that I hated and loved carter? Idk what I'm feeling but I missed him after he was gone and it gutted me to think about him through the second half of the book. All I kept on thinking was I wish that he had changed or that he could have controlled his demons. I want to know what urges someone to hit another person and if they even feel an ounce of guilt for what they've done? Carter showed no signs of guilt and he was soo ready to believe that the baby wasn't his. Was that insecurity?
I hate Carter's father and I wished someone had killed that asshole.The only one to blame the way Carter turned out was his father. Who do you blame? Carter for turning out to be the exact replica of his father or his Father for being a monster. I have all these questions. I want to know about Tommy, Carter's brother who left to go to a better place. Is he the same way carter was? I guess we'll never know.
I understood every bittersweet emotions Tawny was feeling because I was feeling them to. I love how a book can pull you so deep into them that you feel like you are also going through that journey with the character. I cried like a baby when she imagines seeing Carter across the street and they nod at each other. Oh man! I feel sad. I wish that carter had pulled himself from that darkness and that Tawney and Carter had gotten that happily ever after they deserved but in a way I was glad that Tawny was finally getting the life she wanted. I love Carter. I hate carter. I miss carter.
Good work Jade!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2015
*SIGH* Just give me a minute........I never do full reviews or say much on books I've read but this book.....Oh My Gosh, my heart just hurts right now. After reading Whiskey and a gun I just had to read the novel. I really felt I got to know Carter and I might sound crazy right now but loved and hated him. I just wanted him to get help. I was so disgusted with the way he treated Tawny and the sad truth is that there are women out there going through this right this minute. I can't relate to this situation so I don't know why they think the way they think.
I don't want to say something that would give something away but I cried......no wait...more like sobbed with how things turned out. I sobbed for the both of them. I don't know why I thought "No his not ...., They're going to get through this" I don't know (maybe I'm not right in my head)or maybe I'm a sucker for happy endings. I don't know what made me think this would head that root for the two of them.
My eagerness to finish this book resulted with me sitting with puffy eyes from crying over this book....hahahaha!
Anyway, enough said. You wanna know if you should read this book, the answer is Hell Yeah.
Job well done Jade Eby ☺
I don't want to say something that would give something away but I cried......no wait...more like sobbed with how things turned out. I sobbed for the both of them. I don't know why I thought "No his not ...., They're going to get through this" I don't know (maybe I'm not right in my head)or maybe I'm a sucker for happy endings. I don't know what made me think this would head that root for the two of them.
My eagerness to finish this book resulted with me sitting with puffy eyes from crying over this book....hahahaha!
Anyway, enough said. You wanna know if you should read this book, the answer is Hell Yeah.
Job well done Jade Eby ☺
March 20, 2016
The Finish by Jade Eby packs an emotional punch. It is not an easy read. Domestic violence and the motivations of the abused are front and center for over 400 pages. It was hard not to scream at Tawny as I flipped the pages of The Finish while at the same time empathizing with her need to stay, her need to make things right, her need to fix him. We’ve all been in situations like that even if we have not been the victims of domestic violence. And that is what makes The Finish so assessable, so finish-able. There’s something in Tawny’s struggle to find herself amid all the hurt that is a reflection of the reader’s own experiences.
Do not doubt the warning on this book, “For mature audience only.” Jade holds nothing back as she moves through Tawny’s story. If you do start reading, be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions. I’m almost certain that you’ll be in need of some sunshine, unicorns and load of cotton candy when you are finished.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
Do not doubt the warning on this book, “For mature audience only.” Jade holds nothing back as she moves through Tawny’s story. If you do start reading, be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions. I’m almost certain that you’ll be in need of some sunshine, unicorns and load of cotton candy when you are finished.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
April 8, 2016
What a crazy-ass ride!!! So messed up, and yet I couldn't stop reading. A fucked up story, but the author messed with my emotions. I hated Carter. I felt horrible for Tawny, though sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into her. Their relationship was fucked from the start. I did, however, feel a little bad for Carter because his dad and stupid brothers were the reason he became such a piece of shit. He had no one.
Except Tawny.
And yet, I wanted her to leave his ass in the dust. He made me sooooooo angry. The things he did to her....oooooooo, myyyyyy, gooooood. What a devil. Just like his dad.
I just can't even. It's such a heartbreaking, dark, twisted story.
In the end, Tawny did what she had to do. But to read this book and follow easily, you have to read Whiskey and a Gun first. It's imperative that you do. If you like your stories dark, twisted and fucked up beyond comprehension, this is for you.
Otherwise, don't pick up these books, you'll only end up throwing your ereader at the wall.
Seriously, abuse is no happy matter. This shit is real. So read at your own risk.
Except Tawny.
And yet, I wanted her to leave his ass in the dust. He made me sooooooo angry. The things he did to her....oooooooo, myyyyyy, gooooood. What a devil. Just like his dad.
I just can't even. It's such a heartbreaking, dark, twisted story.
In the end, Tawny did what she had to do. But to read this book and follow easily, you have to read Whiskey and a Gun first. It's imperative that you do. If you like your stories dark, twisted and fucked up beyond comprehension, this is for you.
Otherwise, don't pick up these books, you'll only end up throwing your ereader at the wall.
Seriously, abuse is no happy matter. This shit is real. So read at your own risk.
January 1, 2015
Looking for loads of love and tons of happiness??? Look elsewhere. Looking for the most true to life, gritty, heartbreaking story you will possibly read this year (unless you go for nonfiction or love the news...)? Give this book a read.
This is the same story but, through Tawny's point of view, as Whiskey and a Gun. We get to see more of the story, more of her and Carter. It's truly tragic. You feel so much for the characters and, funny thing is, most of it is just sadness, for BOTH of them. Yes, I cried in multiple spots in this book. To see Tawny claw her way back, it's really inspiring. You really have such high hopes for this couple, who came from such different stations in life and yet so similar at the same time. My heart just breaks for the both of them. Not sure if that's exactly what the author was going for but, that was the outcome for me.
A book that makes you think...and feel...and hope! Strength of character and sheer will to survive. Some are born to be survivors, others shadows of what they have known in their lives. Read the conclusion to Carter and Tawny's story, you'll give it five stars as well.
This is the same story but, through Tawny's point of view, as Whiskey and a Gun. We get to see more of the story, more of her and Carter. It's truly tragic. You feel so much for the characters and, funny thing is, most of it is just sadness, for BOTH of them. Yes, I cried in multiple spots in this book. To see Tawny claw her way back, it's really inspiring. You really have such high hopes for this couple, who came from such different stations in life and yet so similar at the same time. My heart just breaks for the both of them. Not sure if that's exactly what the author was going for but, that was the outcome for me.
A book that makes you think...and feel...and hope! Strength of character and sheer will to survive. Some are born to be survivors, others shadows of what they have known in their lives. Read the conclusion to Carter and Tawny's story, you'll give it five stars as well.
February 10, 2015
After reading Whiskey and a Gun, I couldn't wait to get the story from Tawny's POV. I wasn't disappointed, I was in tears! Jade does an amazing job of getting into her character and bringing out all the emotions and in great detail! This is extremely real and gives great insight into the mind of Tawny.
Tawny is from the wrong side of the tracks. Living with absentee, drug addict parents. Wishing for a better life, but to realistic to expect it, she's just trying to get by. But when Carter, a boy from the right side, shows her attention, she can't help but hope for more. Getting to know Carter, she realizes it doesn't matter where you come from, anyone can face their own hell. Although their situations aren't the same, they have a lot in common. She wants to fix him, like he did her. But can love conquer all, or will it just add another destructive element to their lives? Can their pasts make them better people, or will they be destined to treat them? Can a person live with his/her decisions, even when they may be necessary?
Tawny is from the wrong side of the tracks. Living with absentee, drug addict parents. Wishing for a better life, but to realistic to expect it, she's just trying to get by. But when Carter, a boy from the right side, shows her attention, she can't help but hope for more. Getting to know Carter, she realizes it doesn't matter where you come from, anyone can face their own hell. Although their situations aren't the same, they have a lot in common. She wants to fix him, like he did her. But can love conquer all, or will it just add another destructive element to their lives? Can their pasts make them better people, or will they be destined to treat them? Can a person live with his/her decisions, even when they may be necessary?
March 20, 2016
This book is the hardest for me to stomach. It has nothing to do with the author's writing -- I think she did an amazing job of portraying the emotional side of a victim of Domestic Violence and how sometimes, it isn't always so black and white. If Domestic Violence is your trigger, please please stay away from this book.
It makes me sad that at this moment, right as I am writing this, there are husbands or wives out there who are experiencing this type of abuse. Our society, isn't so understanding of the abused side. They would question the victim's unwillingness to leave their abuser and sadly this thing is very common.
I read this book without reading the first one in this series -- I really did want to DNF this because, like I said this book was hard to read. I'm not gonna lie, I was exasperated with Tawny numerous times because I just wanted her to be safe but I understood her. In the end, I'm glad she got her finish.
It makes me sad that at this moment, right as I am writing this, there are husbands or wives out there who are experiencing this type of abuse. Our society, isn't so understanding of the abused side. They would question the victim's unwillingness to leave their abuser and sadly this thing is very common.
I read this book without reading the first one in this series -- I really did want to DNF this because, like I said this book was hard to read. I'm not gonna lie, I was exasperated with Tawny numerous times because I just wanted her to be safe but I understood her. In the end, I'm glad she got her finish.
October 26, 2015
I'm not really sure what I think of this book. I obviously finished it, so it wasn't horrible, but I'm not sure what the point of the book was. The lead female character was not brave, she was not strong, she was extremely weak minded. I was hoping a better story than this.
If the point of the book was to show people how this type of situation goes from bad to worse and how it creeps up on you, then I think it proved its point. I just would have expected a better female character.
If the point of the book was to show people how this type of situation goes from bad to worse and how it creeps up on you, then I think it proved its point. I just would have expected a better female character.
January 11, 2015
I read The Finish not realizing there was a prequel available, not sure if that has any influence over this book and my review. This book had so much emotion and dealt with so many issues that so many people have to live with on a daily basis (addiction, abuse, overcoming personal battles), yet it is somewhat taboo to speak of. There were times I found myself mentally yelling at the book and even got teary-eyed toward the end. The story could have ended so many different ways; Jade does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes and trying to guess what will happen next. And now off to read Whiskey and a Gun to see what I might have missed!
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 19, 2015
4 Where Whiskey Meets The Finish STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was very interesting, and thought-provoking, to see everything from Tawny's POV. Seeing and understanding her love for Carter was quite a unique experience.
"Know what else will kill you?"
"That boy."
Of course, Tawny was an enabler and sadly was the one who suffered. In many ways, getting her side, I didn't always feel extreme hatred for Carter in spite of their corrosive relationship.
What horrible sin I've committed to have to pay for Carter's love with my body. I've given him everything. All of me. Heart, body and soul.
This book is no typical HEA and very much not a typical romance but so well written and a very original and rare experience.
It was very interesting, and thought-provoking, to see everything from Tawny's POV. Seeing and understanding her love for Carter was quite a unique experience.
"Know what else will kill you?"
"That boy."
Of course, Tawny was an enabler and sadly was the one who suffered. In many ways, getting her side, I didn't always feel extreme hatred for Carter in spite of their corrosive relationship.
What horrible sin I've committed to have to pay for Carter's love with my body. I've given him everything. All of me. Heart, body and soul.
This book is no typical HEA and very much not a typical romance but so well written and a very original and rare experience.
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